Your Iowa Home Daycare Launch Plan

Opening a home #daycare in Iowa is a fantastic way to turn your passion for child care into a fulfilling and flexible #career. Whether you’re looking to stay #home with your own children while earning an income or starting a small business with heart, Iowa offers a clear path for becoming a registered child #development home (CDH) provider.

This article outlines the types of #home-daycares Iowa recognizes, the licensing process, and how to get started with training and compliance—so you can launch your home-based child care with confidence.

🏡 Step 1: Understand the Types of Home Daycares in Iowa

Iowa defines home-based child care providers as Child Development Homes (CDH). There are three levels:

Child Development Home – Category A (Unregistered Optional)

• Cares for 5 or fewer children at any one time.

• Not required to be registered, but encouraged to follow #safety guidelines.

• Must complete pre-service training (like CPR and child development).

Child Development Home – Category B

• Cares for up to 6 #preschool children and 2 school-age children (8 total).

• Requires registration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• Must meet more extensive requirements (see below).

Child Development Home – Category C

• Cares for up to 8 preschool children and 4 school-age children (12 total).

• Must have one or more assistants, depending on the number of children.

• Requires experience and higher levels of training.

📋 Step 2: Iowa Home Daycare Requirements

To open a registered #home-daycare in Iowa (Category B or C), providers must meet several requirements:

✅ Education & Training Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

• Complete pre-service training, including:

  • First Aid and CPR

  • Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training

  • Health & Safety Basics

• Annual continuing education hours (typically 6–12 hours depending on your category).

• Consider earning a CDA Credential for additional credibility and knowledge.

📚 ChildCareEd.com offers Iowa-accepted online courses, including Infant & Toddler CDA Training and Preschool CDA Training to meet these training needs.

🏠 Home Environment & Safety

Your home must meet Iowa HHS safety standards, including:

• Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

• Safe #sleep practices for infants

• Clean and hazard- #free- #play-areas (indoor and #outdoor)

• Emergency #preparedness plans

• Adequate space for each child

• Proper storage for hazardous materials

A home visit inspection is required prior to registration.

📑 Background Checks

All adults living or working in the home must undergo:

• Fingerprint-based criminal #background-checks

• Child #abuse and sex offender registry checks

These must be renewed regularly to maintain registration.

📬 Step 3: Apply for Registration

To register your home daycare, you must:

• Submit an application through the Iowa HHS portal or your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency.

• Complete required trainings.

• Prepare your home for inspection.

• Receive your registration certificate, valid for one year.

For more information and application forms, visit the Iowa Child Care Provider Portal.

💡 Step 4: Grow Your Business

Once registered, you can begin accepting children and running your home daycare. To succeed:

• Build trust with families through strong communication.

• Continue your professional development with courses from ChildCareEd.

• Consider obtaining a CDA Credential to enhance your qualifications and credibility.

• Keep detailed records for licensing, taxes, and parent communication.

Start Your Home Daycare Journey with Confidence

Opening a home daycare in Iowa is a meaningful and manageable way to make a difference in your community. With the right training, preparation, and support, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive.

🎓 Ready to get started?
Explore Iowa-approved online training at ChildCareEd.com and begin your journey to becoming a successful home #daycare-provider.